(A) There is established within the Medical University of South Carolina the Diabetes Initiative of South Carolina Board. The purpose of this board is to establish a statewide program of education, surveillance, clinical research, and translation of new diabetes treatment methods to serve the needs of South Carolina residents with diabetes mellitus. The provisions of this chapter and the initiatives undertaken by the board supplement and do not supplant existing programs and services provided to this population.

(B) The board consists of:

(1) the following officials or their designees:

(a) the President of the Medical University of South Carolina;

(b) the Dean of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine;

(c) the Director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control;

(d) the Director of the State Department of Health and Human Services;

(e) the President of the South Carolina Medical Association;

(f) the Vice President of the Southeastern Division of the American Diabetes Association;

(g) the President of the American Association of Diabetes Educators;

(h) the President of the South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians;

(i) the Head of the Office of Minority Health in the Department of Health and Environmental Control;

(j) the Governor of the South Carolina Chapter of the American College of Physicians;

(k) the Chair of the Division of Endocrinology at the Medical University of South Carolina;

(l) the President of the South Carolina Hospital Association;

(2) a representative of the Office of the Governor, to be appointed by the Governor; and

(3) six representatives appointed by the President of the Medical University of South Carolina, three of whom must be from the general public and one each from the Centers of Excellence Council, the Outreach Council, and the Surveillance Council, all of whom must be persons knowledgeable about diabetes and its complications.

(C) The board may elect nonvoting members and honorary members.

(D) A member of the board is elected for a three-year term. A vacancy on the board must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the manner of original appointment.

(E) The board shall elect from its members a chair for a term of three years.

(F) The board shall meet at least quarterly or more frequently upon the call of the chairman. A member of the board not employed by the State or a political subdivision of the State must receive per diem, subsistence, and mileage as provided by law for members of state boards, commissions, and committees while engaged in the work of the board.